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DRDO NETRA
View on WikipediaNETRA (NEtworking TRaffic Analysis) is a software network developed by India's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory, and is used by the Intelligence Bureau, India's domestic intelligence agency,[1] and the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), the country's external intelligence agency to intercept and analyse internet traffic using pre-defined filters.[2][3] The program was tested at smaller scales by various national security agencies, and is reported to be deployed nationwide as of 2022.[1][4]
Development history
[edit]Security agencies were looking to build a system that could monitor internet traffic on a real time basis due to the rapidly escalating threat posed by terrorist and criminal elements using data communication, which had brought service providers like BlackBerry, Skype and Gmail into the focus of law enforcement agencies.[5]
Two such systems were designed, one by the DRDO's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and the other by the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), which is India's technical intelligence agency. An inter-ministerial committee staffed by members from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Department of Telecom, Department of IT, and National Investigation Agency was formed to evaluate both systems and to select one internet monitoring system.[5]
NTRO's system was designed with the help of Paladion, an international private company and NETRA was designed by a team of 40 scientists from CAIR. The committee selected CAIR's NETRA as it had multiple issues with NTRO's system. It had serious security reservations about involvement of an international private company in such a sensitive project, and had doubts about NTRO's ability to operate, maintain and upgrade their system independently. Also, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), which tested NTRO's system was not happy with the NTRO solution and reported that it crashed frequently. The committee favoured NETRA as it was an indigenous solution involving government scientists and personnel and no component of solution had been outsourced to an outside agency. The agency testing NETRA, the IB, was also pleased with its performance. The committee further observed that CAIR has been continuously investing in R&D to keep up with the fast-changing web technologies, unlike NTRO.[3][5] The system was first demonstrated at the premises of Sify Technologies to capture the entire internet traffic passing through its probes.[3]
Capabilities
[edit]NETRA can analyse voice traffic passing through software such as Skype and Google Talk, and intercept messages with keywords such as 'attack', 'bomb', 'blast' or 'kill' in real-time[5] from the enormous number of tweets, status updates, emails, instant messaging transcripts, internet calls, blogs, forums and even images generated on the internet to obtain the desired intelligence. The system with RAW analyses large amount of international data which crosses through the internet networks in India.[1][2][3] Three security agencies, which include the IB and RAW, have each been allotted a maximum of 300 Gigabytes (GB) per node totaling more than 1000 nodes for storing intercepted internet traffic (so, there are 1000 nodes x 300GB = 300,000GB of total space is initially decided to set up.), and an extra 100 GB per node is assigned to the remaining law enforcement agencies.[1][4]
Netra
[edit]The Internet Scanning and Coordination Centre will use this system to monitor the internet,[3] similar to the ones used by USA, UK, China, Iran and many other nations.[1][5] Initially, R&AW was the only current user of this monitoring system, but in 2013, the Ministry of Home Affairs recommended the use of a second NETRA system by domestic law enforcement agencies. This was done as the intelligence gathered by the external intelligence agency were largely irrelevant for the use by law enforcement agencies, and could not handle more data.[2] A note from the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) stated that the system can provide access to multiple security agencies.[1]
Netra's deployment was discussed in 2013 by an apex inter-ministerial group headed by DoT, and included representative from the Cabinet Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs, DRDO, CAIR, Intelligence Bureau, C-DoT and Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).[1]
Awards and recognition
[edit]DRDO Scientist Dr. G. Athithan of CAIR and his team were awarded the 'Agni award for excellence in self-reliance 2008' for developing NETRA. The team comprised scientists from Indian Institute of Science, G. Ravindra and Rahul M. Kharge.[6][7]
See also
[edit]- Mass surveillance in India
- NATGRID, the Indian national intelligence grid.
- Central Monitoring System
- Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring
- National Internet Exchange of India
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g "Government to launch 'Netra' for internet surveillance". The Economic Times. 16 December 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
- ^ a b c "Home seeks system to intercept Net chatter". The Indian Express. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
- ^ a b c d e "Govt holds contest between two Internet spy systems". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ a b "Govt to launch internet spy system 'Netra' soon". The Times of India. 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
- ^ a b c d e "Panel slams roping in of private firm for Net snooping". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ "CAIR team gets Agni award". The Hindu. 14 March 2010. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ "Agni awards announced". The Deccan Herald. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
DRDO NETRA
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and History
Origins and Objectives
The Netra unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) originated as a joint initiative between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and ideaForge Technology Pvt Ltd, a startup founded by alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay specializing in robotics and unmanned systems. This collaboration combined DRDO's Research and Development Establishment (R&DE) expertise in defense technologies with ideaForge's innovations in lightweight aerial platforms, emerging in the late 2000s amid India's push for indigenous surveillance capabilities to counter evolving asymmetric threats. The project culminated in the system's development and public unveiling by July 2010, marking an early example of public-private partnership in DRDO's UAV efforts.[7][8] The core objectives centered on creating a man-portable, quadcopter-style micro-UAV optimized for tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in anti-terrorist and counter-insurgency scenarios, where traditional manned operations posed high risks in urban or rugged terrains. Weighing 1.5 kg, Netra was engineered for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) autonomy, enabling rapid deployment by small teams to provide real-time, stabilized electro-optical video feeds for day-night monitoring of threats. This addressed operational gaps in low-altitude, short-endurance missions, prioritizing affordability, ease of use, and integration with ground control stations for paramilitary forces like the Central Reserve Police Force.[9][10] By focusing on indigenous components and rigorous testing—including temperature extremes from -10°C to 55°C—the program sought to reduce reliance on foreign imports while enhancing internal security responsiveness, with initial prototypes demonstrating flight endurance of up to 40 minutes and line-of-sight ranges suitable for tactical overwatch. Successful field trials by April 2011 paved the way for production scaling, validating the UAV's utility in real-world hazard identification and threat tracking without endangering personnel.[11]Key Milestones and Testing
The NETRA airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system's foundational work began in 1985 with the DRDO's establishment of the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) to develop airborne surveillance capabilities, initially using an Avro HS 748 platform.[12] By 1991, the first rotodome-integrated prototype had completed 220 sorties to test antenna and subsystem integration.[12] Program progress stalled in 1999 following the crash of a rotodomed Avro aircraft during trials.[12] Revival efforts in 2002 involved joint Indian Air Force (IAF)-DRDO collaboration, leading to formal program approval in 2004 for an indigenous AEW&C system.[13] Three Embraer EMB-145 platforms were ordered in 2008 to host the indigenous radar and mission suite.[12] Integration milestones included the first rotodome-fitted Embraer flight in June 2011, followed by the maiden flight of the complete EMB-145 NETRA prototype on December 6, 2011, at a DRDO facility.[12] Developmental trials from 2012 onward focused on validating the active electronically scanned array radar, electronic support measures, and data fusion across simulated and live scenarios, building on prior Avro-based subsystem tests.[13] The first prototype was handed over to the Government of India on August 16, 2012, for further user trials.[12] Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) was granted in 2017 after successful simulated exercises, enabling IAF induction of the lead aircraft on February 14, 2017, at Aero India.[14][12] This marked operational debut, including a Republic Day flypast on January 26, 2017.[13] The second NETRA achieved induction in September 2019 following additional flight trials.[15] Post-IOC testing emphasized enhancements, such as software-defined radio integration trials from 2022 to mid-2023, which logged over 50 sorties to assess compatibility with core AEW&C functions.[16] A third platform served as a joint DRDO-IAF testbed for ongoing validations, including acceptance trials completed by 2023.[14] Final Operational Clearance (FOC) was pursued through 2023, culminating nearly seven years of refinements since IOC to achieve full mission readiness.[14] Real-world efficacy was demonstrated in operations like Balakot in 2019, confirming surveillance and battle management roles.[13]Design and Technical Specifications
Airframe and Propulsion
The NETRA mini UAV employs a lightweight airframe constructed primarily from carbon fiber composites, which enhances structural integrity while minimizing weight for man-portable deployment by small teams. This material selection supports rapid hand-launch operations from confined spaces, such as roadside clearings, without requiring specialized infrastructure. The airframe's compact design, with approximate dimensions of 0.9 meters in length and rotor span, contributes to its overall empty weight of approximately 1.5 kg, enabling tactical use in urban or rugged terrains by Indian armed forces units. Propulsion is achieved through a quadcopter configuration featuring four electric motors, providing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities essential for short-range surveillance missions. These motors are powered by lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries, which deliver sufficient energy density for flight endurance exceeding 50 minutes at mean sea level, with line-of-sight ranges up to 5 km under nominal conditions. The electric propulsion system ensures low acoustic signatures and minimal thermal emissions, reducing detectability during reconnaissance operations, though it limits endurance compared to fuel-based alternatives in larger UAVs.[17][18]Sensors, Avionics, and Payload
The NETRA airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system's primary payload consists of an integrated mission suite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), encompassing radar, electronic warfare sensors, communication systems, and data processing elements mounted on a modified Embraer EMB-145 regional jet platform. This suite enables real-time surveillance, target tracking, identification, and command-and-control functions for airborne and maritime threats, with data fusion from multiple sensors processed by onboard mission computers. The payload weighs approximately several tons, integrated into the aircraft's fuselage and dorsal fairing without compromising the base airframe's performance.[19] The core sensor is a multi-mode S-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, featuring two back-to-back planar arrays housed in a dorsal rotodome, providing 240-degree azimuthal coverage optimized for low-altitude and littoral detection. This radar employs solid-state transmitters, dual-channel monopulse receivers, and advanced signal processors for simultaneous tracking of up to 200 targets, with detection ranges of 250-300 km in standard mode and up to 450 km in extended range mode against fighter-sized aircraft. An integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator array enhances target classification, while electronic support measures (ESM) subsystems offer 360-degree passive detection of radar emitters, supporting electronic intelligence (ELINT) and communications intelligence (COMINT) collection against up to 300 known threat signatures.[4][20][21] Avionics integration includes a mission system controller (MSC) for sensor data fusion, linked to multiple operator consoles (typically 8-10 workstations) via high-speed data buses, enabling battle management with real-time tactical displays and human-machine interfaces. Communication avionics feature secure C-band and Ku-band data links for networked operations, allowing simultaneous data sharing with up to 40 fighter aircraft or ground stations, augmented by a satellite communications (SATCOM) terminal for beyond-line-of-sight connectivity. Software-defined radios and encrypted voice/data channels ensure interoperability with Indian Air Force assets, while redundant flight management systems maintain aircraft stability during prolonged missions. Upgrades in the NETRA Mk1A variant incorporate gallium nitride (GaN)-based radar enhancements for improved sensitivity against low-observable targets and refined electronic warfare suites.[4][16][22]Performance Parameters
The NETRA mini UAV, developed jointly by DRDO and ideaForge Technology, exhibits performance characteristics suited for short-range tactical surveillance in confined or urban environments. Its endurance is approximately 30 minutes per battery charge, enabling brief reconnaissance missions without requiring extensive ground support infrastructure.[7][8] Operational range is limited to 1.5–2.5 kilometers line-of-sight from the control station, constrained by its lightweight design and battery-powered propulsion, which prioritizes portability over extended loiter time.[8] The service ceiling reaches 300 meters, with typical operational altitudes around 200 meters above ground level to optimize camera resolution for ground targets while minimizing detectability.| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Endurance | 30 minutes |
| Range (LoS) | 1.5–2.5 km |
| Service Ceiling | 300 m |
| Operational Altitude | 200 m AGL |
